Kumhar, also spelt Kumbhar, is a community found in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan. The community has historically been associated with the craft of pottery, and its name is derived from words meaning "potter" in several South Asian languages.
Members of the Kumhar community have traditionally engaged in the making of earthen vessels, tiles, bricks and ritual articles using locally sourced clay. The potter's wheel and the kiln have long been central to the occupation, and the items produced have served everyday domestic needs as well as religious and ceremonial purposes in the wider society.
Pottery produced by Kumhars features in numerous customs and festivals across the subcontinent, including the supply of earthen lamps (diyas), water pots and ritual containers. Through this work, the community has historically held a recognised place within village economies and the network of hereditary occupational groups in South Asia.
The Kumhar community is spread across regions and follows different languages, customs and religious traditions depending on locality. While many Kumhars are Hindus, the broader community also includes adherents of other faiths in different parts of the subcontinent.